Review – The Lost Trades ‘The Bird, The Book & The Barrel’

The Bird, The Book & The Barrel is the love child and debut album from the Lost Trades who are Lost Trades are Wiltshire based friends, Jamie (R Hawkins), with his dark, country edge, Phil (Cooper) with his urban folk wit and Tamsin (Quin) with her engaging warmth and whimsy. Individually accomplished musicians in their own right, this trio blends together to produce a melting pot of symmetry and true musical talent.

Opening with "One Voice", a song about the power and strength of unity and joined forces : it could be interpreted as a Lost Trades anthem."Road Of Solid Gold" is a positive song about being content with your own company. An extra layer of violin, provided by Peter Knight (Steeleye Span), brings a rich, wholesome, upbeat feel to the melody. Whilst "Hope Cove" evokes feelings of loss, sadness and faith, "Wait For My Boat" jumps in with a rousing, joyful, singalong chorus.

In all the album is full of evocative harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics, bound together in a wonderful traditional-meets-modern folk genre.

Reviewed by Jaen Amber and Tara Egan

The Bird, The Book & The Barrel by The Lost Trades is available from https://shop.thelosttrades.com/album/the-bird-the-book-the-barrel